iPhone X supply still plagued by TrueDepth sensor delays

Your iPhone X is on its way. Now make sure you're prepared. Photo: Apple

iPhone X supply is still being plagued by manufacturing issues.

Some analysts have slashed supply forecasts even further due to the problems faced by TrueDepth sensor makers. It looks like Apple’s hottest handset will be even harder to obtain than originally anticipated.

Every Apple fan will already be prepared for iPhone X delays. For months, the rumors have been warning us that there will be very limited supplies at launch. But the true extent of the problem is still being revealed as we approach the pre-order date of October 27.

Jeff Pu, an analyst with Yuanta Investment Consulting in Taipei, was originally expecting Apple to produce around 45 million iPhone X units this year. He cut that figure to 40 million units in late September as manufacturing hiccups continued. It’s now down to 36 million.

TrueDepth is the true problem

iPhone X’s fancy new TrueDepth camera, which enables Face ID, is to blame. Pu told Nikkei Asian Review that suppliers are still struggling to refine the manufacturing process and iron out teething problems. As things stand, this sensor is a massive bottleneck.

Pu still expects iPhone X to enter mass-production in mid-October, and begin shipping from China during the third week of the month. The device is set to make its official debut on November 3.

Don’t delay your pre-order

If you’re desperate to secure an iPhone X for launch day delivery, don’t delay your pre-order. Be ready to buy yours at 12:01 a.m. PT on October 27. Placing your order just a few minutes late could mean you have to wait several weeks, or even months, for it to ship.